Kazakhstan has successfully completed its three-year chairmanship of the Water Convention

Geneva, 29 September 2021 – 9^th session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention) was opened in Geneva under the chairmanship of the Republic of Kazakhstan in a hybrid meeting mode. The event is organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

Mrs. Zhanar Aitzhanova, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the UN Office and other international organizations in Geneva welcomed the participants of the meeting and officially opened the work of the 9^th session of the Water Convention. The Permanent Representative stressed the key role of the Water Convention in the development of transboundary water cooperation, in promoting regional integration and conflict prevention. She also noted that transboundary waters have the potential for cross-border economic cooperation and sustainable development.

In his speech, Minister of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mr. Serikkali Brekeshev briefed the delegates on the main achievements in the field of transboundary water cooperation and water policy of Kazakhstan during the three-year chairmanship of the Water Convention. He noted that the Water Convention is the most important legal instrument aimed at protecting and ensuring the quality, quantity and sustainable use of transboundary waters by strengthening cooperation between the Parties to the Convention. The Minister reported on the successful functioning of the International Water Assessment Center in Nur-Sultan (IWAC), which was opened with the assistance of the UNECE in 2017. At the same time, the Minister noted Kazakhstan's intention to continue active work on further promotion of transboundary water cooperation and implementation of joint projects.

As the future Chairman of the Water Convention, on behalf of the Republic of Estonia, the President Ms. Kersti Kaljulaid and the Minister of the Environment Mr. Tonis Molder made a video message.

In his address to the participants of the meeting, the Executive Secretary of the UNECE, Ms. Olga Algayerova thanked the Government of Kazakhstan for organizing the 8th meeting of the Parties in Nur-Sultan in 2018 and for active work during the chairmanship of the Convention. In addition, Ms. Olga Algayerova stressed that the past three-year period has been marked by accelerated progress in the issue of countries' accession to the Convention. During this period, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau and Togo joined the Convention, and the accession process began in a number of countries. Also, within the framework of the meeting, a solemn procedure for the admission of new participants to the Convention was held.

The Meeting of the Parties to the Water Convention is being held from September 29 to October 1, 2021. It is attended by representatives of more than 100 countries.